Biz Bits: The gasoline news just keeps getting worse

Friday

Feb 29, 2008 at 12:01 AMFeb 29, 2008 at 9:51 AM

This week in the business rail: tax tips for military members, more on the economy, how to use quick keys and more.

Number to Know: 3.50

Dollars per gallon that you could be paying for gasoline in a matter of weeks, according to an analyst at Cameron Hanover. And prices won’t stop there – they’re expected to hit $4 by spring, according to CNN. And that’s not all the bad news – because of record-high oil prices, food prices are climbing up, too. How will you deal with the huge hikes? Have you already altered your lifestyle? Let us know.

The Biz List

The five best cars for college students, according to Forbes:

1. Hyundai Elantra, $15,895 (2007 sedan)

2. Scion tC, $16,720

3. Toyota Corolla, $16,820

4. Jeep Compass, $17,035

5. Kia Spectra, $17,995 (2007 sedan)

Tip of the Week: Free Tax Help Available for Military Members

If you or your spouse are in the military, you might be able to receive free tax help. Here’s the IRS’ rundown:

The U.S. Armed Forces participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). The Armed Forces Tax Council (AFTC) oversees the operation of the military tax programs worldwide, and serves as the main conduit for outreach by the IRS to military personnel and their families.

Military-based VITA sites provide free tax advice, tax preparation, return filing and other tax assistance to military members and their families. The volunteer assistors are trained to address military-specific tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits.

Military commanders support the program by detailing members of the military to prepare returns and by providing space and equipment for tax centers. The IRS supports these efforts by providing tax software and training.

To receive this free assistance, you should bring the following records to your military VITA site:

- Valid photo identification
- Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a social security number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
- Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents
- Current year’s tax package, if you received one
- Wage and earning statement(s) -- Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R
- Interest and dividend statements (Forms 1099)
- A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available
- Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit
- Total amount paid for day care
- Day care provider’s identifying number
- Other relevant information about income and expenses

For more information, review IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide, available on the IRS Web site at www.IRS.gov, or order a free copy by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Quote of Note

"I don't anticipate stagflation."

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke in comments to Congress trying to assuage fears that the U.S. is nearing 1970s-type economy woes. Stagflation is when inflation and stagnant growth occur at the same time.

Web Sites of the Week

Google recently launched a Web site-building service that is easy enough to use even for those who are new to computers. The service is an answer to Microsoft’s SharePoint service, and, of course, Google is touting Google Sites as a better option. Check them out at:
- http://www.microsoft.com/sharepoint/default.mspx
- http://sites.google.com

Tech Tip: Windows Quick Keys

Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll highlight the quick keys (or hot keys) that you can save you time as you use Windows. Here is the basic list:

- CTRL+C -- Copy
- CTRL+X -- Cut
- CTRL+V -- Paste
- CTRL+Z -- Undo
- SHIFT+DELETE -- Delete the selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin
- CTRL while dragging an item -- Copy the selected item
- CTRL+SHIFT while dragging an item -- Create a shortcut to the selected item
- F2 -- Rename the selected item
- CTRL+RIGHT ARROW -- Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next word
- CTRL+LEFT ARROW -- Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word
- CTRL+DOWN ARROW -- Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph
- CTRL+UP ARROW -- Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraph
- CTRL+SHIFT with any of the arrow keys -- Highlight a block of text
- SHIFT with any of the arrow keys -- Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in a document
- CTRL+A -- Select all
- F3 -- Search for a file or a folder
- ALT+ENTER -- View the properties for the selected item
- ALT+F4 -- Close the active item, or quit the active program
- ALT+ENTER -- Display the properties of the selected object
- ALT+SPACEBAR -- Open the shortcut menu for the active window
- CTRL+F4 -- Close the active document in programs that enable you to have multiple documents open simultaneously
- ALT+TAB -- Switch between the open items
- ALT+ESC -- Cycle through items in the order that they had been opened
- F6 -- Cycle through the screen elements in a window or on the desktop
- F4 -- Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer
- SHIFT+F10 -- Display the shortcut menu for the selected item
- ALT+SPACEBAR -- Display the System menu for the active window
- CTRL+ESC -- Display the Start menu
- F10 -- Activate the menu bar in the active program
- F5 -- Update the active window
- ESC -- Cancel the current task
- SHIFT when you insert a CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive -- Prevent the CD-ROM from automatically playing

Source: www.geeks.com

GateHouse News Service

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